TR council candidates share views

TWO RIVERS – Each of the five Manitowoc City Council candidates face no challengers in their respective aldermanic districts in the spring General Election set for April 7.

But that is not the case in Two Rivers where five individuals — including just one incumbent — are seeking to fill three seats on the council elected by residents across the city.

Kay Koach is in her 10th year on the Two Rivers City Council and she is vying to gain another three-year term against Patrick Gagnon, Darla LeClair, Mark Bittner and Jack Powalisz.

They shared their perspectives on why they're running and the future of Two Rivers at a Monday luncheon meeting of Business Connects with Government, hosted by The Chamber of Manitowoc County.

Also in attendance was Texas transplant Stan Palmer, a member of Two Rivers Rotary who gather with the Chamber event's attendees when it is held at the Lighthouse Inn.

"My wife and I love this town ... I am speaking with the passion of a convert," said Palmer, a native of New Jersey who taught history at the University of Texas-Arlington for four decades.

Palmer and his wife, Elizabeth, have no family in the area but began spending summers in Two Rivers in 2008 before retiring to the city in June.

"Let's make a united commitment to make Two Rivers even better than it is now," said Palmer in challenging the office seekers.

All five candidates said the ongoing clearing of the former Hamilton's manufacturing plant site by Thermo Fisher Scientific should present historic and significant economic redevelopment opportunities along the 12 acres flanking the West Twin River.

Demolition and final cleanup is expected to be completed this summer.

"The right redevelopment would create a reason for people to visit Two Rivers," said Powalisz. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity ... we can't screw it up."

"It would be nice to have something with a little bit of charm ... a walkway with small shops," LeClair said. Ultimately, because the site is owned by the Massachusetts-based international corporation, she said Thermo Fisher's ideas are the key to redevelopment.

Koach said the city zoning code prohibits any reuse for heavy manufacturing and praised Thermo Fisher for "turning a new leaf" and adopting a more forthcoming and cooperative relationship with city leaders.

"Having some input into the future of the Hamilton property was one of my motivations for running," Gagnon said, believing the parcel will play a major role in the future direction of the city. He wants to make sure there is public access to the riverfront.

Bittner said, if elected, he wants to "get aggressive" with the Thermo Fisher subsidiary that will have control over new development.

Economic development

The quintet was asked what the council might do to attract new businesses or residents and reverse the 40-year trend of declining population in Two Rivers.

LeClair said she is "curious" about how much effort is put into economic development by the city. "I wonder how much tourism we are bringing in now and who is benefiting," she said.

Koach said Two Rivers benefits from its relationship with Progress Lakeshore, formerly the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County. "We are constantly pushing" the benefits of locating in Two Rivers to the business community, she said.

Gagnon said the council has a role to play in supporting existing businesses and should continue to be eager to cooperate in economic development efforts with the city and county of Manitowoc.

Bittner said he wants to implement a four-part plan that includes developing an overarching marketing theme for the city, and creating a panel of community experts developing plans to stimulate development with measurable objectives.

Powalisz said maintaining Two Rivers' "natural beauty" is crucial. He believes revitalization of downtown has "helped create an upturn."

Top priorities

In terms of what should be the council's top priorities, Gagnon said the council exists to be of service to citizens and provide the best quality municipal services accountable to the taxpayers.

Bittner said with assessed property values declining, "we need to see an increase in residential and commercial property value ... repopulate empty buildings."

Powalisz said use of social media can be helpful in raising the city's profile and "We must prioritize upkeep of infrastructure."

LeClair said she could answer the question in three words — "Jobs, jobs, jobs." She said the council should focus on getting the community involved. She said many residents are "disheartened" and don't vote.

Koach said the city's "infrastructure is in pretty good shape ... we're not filing bankruptcy, Two Rivers doesn't look like Detroit ... Two Rivers is coming back."